If you've been circling near a television, a newspaper or an Internet site for the last six months, you are now forever convinced your "investment" money is not lock-proof safe anywhere, anymore, anytime. Yes, it is possible to get Merrill Lynched while someone has Madoff-ed with your money. Meanwhile, many ultra-patiently wait for a pittance rebate check because they love to Bet On Sports.  

Overall, the off shore wagering industry is a highly professional, ethical, well-organized industry that desires to remain in operation by serving your best interests.  But, that does not mean, similar to any USA governed casino operation, they are in business to not make a profit.  That's respectfully understood by all.  The one huge difference forced upon players in 2009 is the continuing reinforcement and relentless pressure by the US Department of Justice to enforce the 2006 legislated UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act).  Where winning and losing bets once were the only thing that mattered, now it's "how you play the game" that takes center stage.  Besides picking winners it's equally important to pick winning companies to do business with.

Just as they say playoff time is "money time", here are a few suggestions to close your barn before the horses have a chance to run away too far. 

Exit Strategy

OK, it's been a long, long football season.  Time to evaluate where your current balance stands and plan accordingly.  With only a few playoff games remaining, I suggest considering a substantial withdrawal.  Should you be in the black, two excellent reasons support this.  One, the overwhelming temptation to go for the kill with fewer choices slights your judgment.  Remember, $5K on the Super Bowl pays or paid the same as $5K on the Saints in week eight. 

Two, and most importantly, you will absolutely have a better opportunity to receive your funds more immediately from an off-shore sports book in one lump sum or promised multi-payments prior to the end of football season.  All businesses, especially gaming businesses, are governed by cash flow.  The Super Bowl could potentially fill or drain the pool from particular smaller to mid-size bookmakers.  Not that you would necessarily fear for receiving your winnings BUT with processing pressures from the DOJ continuing to loom large, they have a built-in excuse to severely delay payment.

Ask Questions, Negotiate

Every percentage statistic in the world is available to help you make a play for this Sunday's Eagles/Giants game.  Don't think anyone would be proud (if it was available) to know how many players know their turnaround time to receive funds week to week?  That's right, week to week, if not day to day.  With the US economy shrinking, less money is potentially being wagered, therefore potentially less to dole out should a key one-sided spread loss develop.  Just go back one year to the infusion of Giants money in the Super Bowl.  Where Las Vegas has the power to lay-off money in their organized central banking system, no such luxury exists off shore.

Stay up to date with deposit / withdrawal policies and disbursement times.  Ask every question possible toward when checks are expected to clear.  So there will be no surprises, be reasonable in understanding how the international banking system operates. Legitimate sportsbooks that you have been doing business with for years, want nothing more than to pay you in 24 hours. Unfortunately, many simply cannot . . . anymore.  

Speaking of withdrawals, if you feel comfortable with the stability of your sportsbook you may have a certain advantage.  Inquire if they might provide any small incentive (bonus/rebate/interest) to leave your money in your account versus withdrawal after the Super Bowl.  It's unlikely they will generate any incentive but you have nothing whatsoever to lose asking.

Use Protection

Remember; (sigh) you have NO legal protection on your funds from any United States written law especially in wake of the UIGEA.  Considering there is no kind of FDIC type insurance it's wise to institute the only option to your advantage - DIVERSIFY.  Should you have funds in multiple sportsbooks, I would absolutely suggest devising a withdrawal strategy at least until the beginning of the NCAA March Tournament.  Not to alarm you, but in the event of some post-Super Bowl disaster you may have protected yourself in some way within your control.  

While you're immersed into deciding your playoff game straight, teaser or parlay outcomes, it's truly urgent to keep in mind this common sense and "sign of the times" issue.  With a new regime in the White House it's unclear the direction they'll be taking next and all indications point to a more unpredictable outcome than this weekend's four games.  Do what you can under the circumstances.